Imperial Journal of Interdisciplinary Research (IJIR) Vol-3, Issue-2, 2017 ISSN: 2454-1362, http://www.onlinejournal.in Transformation in Traditional Havelis: A case of walled city Jaipur, Rajasthan Ar. Vibha Upadhyaya Professor, Amity School of Architecture & Planning Amity University Rajasthan, India Abstract— The dwellings of past, which provides us boundaries of Rajasthan, touch Pakistan and Punjab a rich fabric of experiences, bear witness to such and its history dates back to ancient times. efforts, one may feel a sense of wonder while looking Kalibangan, an Indus civilization site in northern at these Havelis and finding elements in similar Bikaner, was an important walled city of the Harappan climates, which have been discovered as a result of period. Above all, Rajasthan is the cradle of the human efforts to control the environment for distinctive Rajput culture and traditions. Rajasthan has maximum comfort. Traditional buildings are the a rich and colorful history, which makes it a very reflection of the life style of the local people. These famous state. This article discusses various traditional buildings have a great impact of the period in which buildings of Rajasthan used for residential purposes. they were constructed. Similar climates result in The habitation of past, provides us a rich experience, similar house forms. This article is about traditional which observes the different elements of these buildings of Rajasthan, viz; Gadh, palace, Baag, and buildings which have been discovered as a result of havelis. The article discusses the features of these the human efforts to control the environmental building and detailed study is done for traditional comfort. Traditional buildings are the reflection of the residence havelis supported with case study of a life style of the local people. These buildings have a havelis in walled city Jaipur. The architectural built great impact of the period in which they were form of these havelis has evolved in response to the constructed. Similar climates result in similar house climate, lifestyle and availability of material. These forms, for example in Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer havelis are excellent examples of sustainability in the dwellings, one would find courtyards, terraces, otalas hot and dry climate of Rajasthan. The havelis of and balconies or chhajjas. Such elements have Rajasthan used courtyards and other related elements evolved from the human efforts to fulfill the needs as the perfect architectural response to Rajasthan’s mentioned above. These elements gradually were diverse culture and climate. But at present due to adapted to other functions than these for which they population pressure, increasing commercial activities were originally intended and new meaning for them and changing lifestyle of people lot of transformation was found. Rajasthan architecture is a perfect mixture is taking place. As a result of that, load on energy of Hindu and Mughal structural pattern. and infrastructure is increasing and creating lots of social and environmental issues. Also due to lack of maintenance, buildings are in dilapidated state and II. TRADITIONAL RESIDENCES OF RAJASTHAN heritage is being lost. This article emphasizes on the In Rajasthan, there are mainly four types of need of sustainable & energy efficient development of Traditional Residential Buildings: cities along with Heritage conservation of our GADH or FORT -: palace built on highest level or traditional buildings. top of the hill. Keywords - Havelis, Heritage, transformation, MAHAL OR PALACE -: palace built on ground Energy Efficiency, Sustainable development, level courtyard, dilapidated BAAG or GARDEN-: a place full of gardens for recreation purposes I. INTRODUCTION HAVELI-: traditional houses for employees or public Rajasthan is situated in the western region of India and its land is more varied than any other region. It has a diversity of geophysical features, which add to the richness and variety of its cultural expressions. It has the Aravalli range of mountains, fertile plains, deep wild glens, forested valleys, lakes, wild life sanctuaries, and the desert sand dunes of burning heat and freezing cold. Lying in the northwest of India, the Imperial Journal of Interdisciplinary Research (IJIR) Page 1482 Imperial Journal of Interdisciplinary Research (IJIR) Vol-3, Issue-2, 2017 ISSN: 2454-1362, http://www.onlinejournal.in GADH KILA (MAHAL) is a very ethnic mix of Mughal and Rajputs architecture. Some of the palaces like lalgarh palace Bikaner, city palace Jaipur etc., were built with extensive fortifications to protect against enemy attacks. These palaces have integrated development as along with separate residences for women and HAVELI BAGH men, these also have provision for private gardens, fountains, public courts, temples etc. Most of the palaces are now converted to heritage hotels or museums. C. BAAG It is a place, full of gardens for recreation purposes. Figure 1 Traditional Residences of Rajasthan For example Sisodiya Rani ka baag & Ramniwas baag Jaipur, Mandor Udyan Jodhpur, Rani Padmini A. GADH or FORT Garden Chittorgarh, Sahelion Ki Bari Udaipur etc. In The fort or Gadh is built on highest level or top of the Rajasthan there are varied areas, there are beautiful hill. It is enclosed all around with defensive walls green gardens constructed by the previous rulers of covering around 20 kilometers length in perimeter. It Rajasthan to contrast the harsh terrain and climate of bears testimony to the power of the Rajputs princely the land on the other hand. Anyone who takes a stroll states that flourished in the region from the eighth to in these beautiful lush gardens is sure to put the heat the 18th centuries (UNESCO). Major urban centers, of the desert into oblivion. Let us begin our walk into palaces, trading centers and other buildings including the best five gardens of Rajasthan. temples were enclosed within defensive walls. The The general impression of Rajasthan is that of forts also use the natural defenses in the form of hills, parched desert land and the sight of such lovely green deserts, rivers, and dense forests. A traditional fort gardens with blooming flowers spreading out also includes extensive water harvesting structures, delightful fragrance and cool breeze giving a for fulfilling water needs of city in such a water sensation of calmness is no less than surprising and scarce area. gives a feeling of it being a mirage. They display how The Forts or Gadh on hills of Rajasthan, exhibit an human has won over the unpleasant part of nature. important interchange of Princely Rajputs These baag used to have a building complex, water philosophies in fort planning with art and architecture bodies, fountains, garden areas and other ornate & from the early to late medieval period, and the varied landscape features. physiographic and cultural zones of state. Rajputs D. HAVELI architecture is diverse sharing common ground with Mughal architecture and it draws inspiration from This traditional courtyard house known as Haveli is a antecedents and neighbors, having influence on later large family residence for employees and public, its regional styles. The example of forts in Rajasthan are size and aesthetics depended on the status of family. Amber fort, Nahargarh, Jaigarh fort in Jaipur, It is airy and equipped, built around one or more Mehrangarh in Jodhpur, Junagadh in Bikaner and courtyards. The size of openings on outer face of Jaisalmer & Bharatpur fort etc. buildings are small to cut out harsh sun and hot winds, also it helps to enhance the privacy. Narrow flights of steps led to upper floors. Cusped arch, B. Mahal or Palace foliated columns and vegetal motifs decorated the Similar to forts, palace also shows the beautiful facades. Havelis were built in medieval times for a architecture of the royal Rajput fortified palaces, with very conservative society's needs. Hence, the huge gates for entry. The difference with the fort is introvert character reflected in the plan there are no that palaces are built on ground level and these are exterior window except in front façade. One the private residence for royal families. viz; City courtyard was commonly shared by male members palace, Rambagh palace Jaipur, Umaid Bhavan and outsiders and other was exclusively for females palace Jodhpur, Udai vilas palace dungarpur, City due to introvert social conditions. Famous examples palace & Lake palace Udaipur, and Lalgarh palace are dhabaiji ki havelis, munshi ji ki havelis, samode Bikaner etc. Jaipur, and Patwa havelis Jaisalmer etc. The Palaces and havelis of Rajasthan signify the true The beautifully decorated havelis, painted in bright historical essence and heritage. Few palaces in colors and complex built depict the royal Rajasthan are still being used as residence to royal magnificence of Rajput kings. The architectural style families. The architecture of the palaces in Rajasthan prior to the foundation of Jaipur city was indo- Imperial Journal of Interdisciplinary Research (IJIR) Page 1483 Imperial Journal of Interdisciplinary Research (IJIR) Vol-3, Issue-2, 2017 ISSN: 2454-1362, http://www.onlinejournal.in sarcenic with greater influence of Hindu style. The A. COURTYARD impact of Mughal style was felt more from 1700 It is commonly called as “CHOWK”. It is a centrally onwards. The bagaldar roof of Bengal style is located open place surrounded by partly shaded places extensively found in Rajasthan due to migration of and/or fully shed places. It Works chiefly as a source artisans from Delhi to Jaipur. The Hindu temples had of sunlight and air for the activities occurring in the typical fluted Hindu shikhara over sanctum and adjacent areas. A courtyard serves many purposes like octagonal sloping roof over mandap; the temples centre for various rituals & household activities, were constructed in trbeated style. The Jain temple worship of tulsi plant. Activities found to be had the bell shaped domes over sanctum and occupying thus place are cleaning the utensils, octagonal sloping roof over mandap but here also washing or drying the laundry, taking water from the sarcenic or Mughal influence is felt in cusped arches.